J. Leinenkugel Brewing Co. is set to open a brewpub inside Milwaukee’s baseball stadium American Family Field. The subsidiary of Molson Coors which is led in the 6th generation by a member of the founder's family (inside.beer, 10.2.2022) will open a brewery, a full-service bar and restaurant at a former restaurant space overlooking left field.
After renovation, the new establishment, to be known as J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard, will open in March of 2023. It will feature some of Leinenkugel’s favorite beers, as well as small-batch beers. Fans can expect to find Leinenkugel’s classics, like Summer Shandy and Juicy Peach, as well as new innovations like Honey Lemon Light. With a 3-barrel brewing system in full view, the Barrel Yard will also brew up specialty beers made just for Brewers fans.
Leinenkugel operates two breweries, the original one in Chippewa Falls, 100 miles east of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and another one in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee brewery, named 10th Street Brewery, was opened in 1986 by G. Heileman Brewing Company for the Blatz label. It was purchased by Leinenkugel in 1995.
The deal builds on a long-time relationship between official beer sponsor Molson Coors and the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee that are named for the city's association with the brewing industry.
“When the opportunity came to expand our partnership with the Brewers and create another location where we could put in pilot brewing capabilities, that was very exciting to us,” said Leinenkugel’s President Tony Bugher. “Innovation is at our core. We’re always looking for opportunities to be creative and get feedback from drinkers.”
It also underscores Molson Coors’ commitment to Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin and Milwaukee’s passionate sports fans, says Dan Idstein, Molson Coors’ general manager for sales in Wisconsin.
“We were born here in Brew City. We’ve been here since the start, and nothing’s going to shake our pride in being Milwaukee-made,” he says. “Bringing a Leinenkugel’s brewery to the ballpark just deepens those strong Wisconsin roots.”
“We are thrilled to reveal J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard at American Family Field with our valued partners at Molson Coors,” said Rick Schlesinger, Brewers president of business operations. “We have worked closely to redesign the space and experience for our fans. What could be better than enjoying a beverage crafted right here at American Family Field, and sampling an amazing menu of food options? The Barrel Yard will be a must-stop for fans on game day, and also a popular non-game day destination.”